Mid-tier pitchers, frontline pitchers: in which direction are the New York Mets truly trying to go? In a recent report, ESPN’s Jeff Passan stated that the Mets are among the most aggressive teams eyeing mid-tier starting pitching. Along with this, Passan stated what’s been the truth all offseason: that the Mets would fully be on board with adding the top pitchers on the market if they’re willing to take shorter years.
However, a mid-tier arm is the exact opposite of what the Mets need right now. Currently, they have just that: four arms that are “middle tier,” which consist of Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga, with the young star Nolan McLean leading the pack. However, there are a few names currently available that could make a significant impact if signed to a short-term deal. With that, here are the three “mid-tier” pitchers that make the most sense for the Mets.
Three Mid-Tier Pitchers Who Would Fit with the Mets
1. Zack Littell
Zack Littell would be the perfect pitcher for the Mets to target: a durable, middle-of-the-rotation arm that can eat innings while being a solid option. In 2025, Littell provided both the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds with a career year, totaling 186 innings in 32 starts, with the second-best walk rate in MLB among qualified pitchers. The 30-year-old posted a combined 3.81 ERA between teams with a 10-8 record.
One of the key features of Littell is the fact that he’s a former reliever, pitching 155 innings in his career with a 4.52 ERA, but peaking in 2021 with the San Francisco Giants, where he tossed 61 innings with a 2.92 ERA. Littell could serve the Mets as a versatile arm, being a spot starter when needed while also being used in a long-relief role, which they did not have in 2025. Littell is projected to sign a deal worth $12 million a year, which perfectly fits the David Stearns mold.
2. Chris Bassitt
A jersey swap isn’t necessary for Chris Bassitt. The right-handed pitcher spent a season in Queens, although the ending was catastrophic. Still, a reunion with Bassitt could benefit both sides. In 2022, Bassitt posted a 3.42 ERA in 30 starts with a 15-9 record. His time with the Mets ended on a sour note due to his poor performance in the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, in which he allowed three runs in four innings.
UPDATE
The Mets are among the most aggressive teams eyeing mid-tier starting pitching, per @JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/dkc8wInaxI
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) December 18, 2025
Bassitt was solid in 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays, serving as a durable option across 170 innings, with an 11-9 record and a 3.96 ERA. The 36-year-old was a key contributor to Toronto’s playoff success, holding a 1.02 ERA in 8 2/3 innings of work.
The reason a reunion would benefit both sides is that the veteran is a durable “innings eater” who can consistently provide 30-plus starts and 170-plus innings. Bassitt could potentially be a reliable back-end starter, giving the Mets yet another option on a cheap deal.
3. Nick Martinez
Nick Martinez is the perfect cheap depth option for the Mets. Why? Last season, he completed his transition to a bullpen role. The former Red was moved to the bullpen after Cincinnati acquired Zack Littell from the Rays, posting a 4.72 ERA in 26 starts compared to a 2.61 ERA in 14 relief appearances.
Martinez is the ultimate swingman pitcher, capable of being a reliable starter and an excellent multi-inning reliever. His effectiveness comes from the ability to induce weak contact and generate ground balls rather than overpowering velocity.
As mentioned with Littell, the Mets could desperately use long-relief arms, especially following a season in which they used 46 different pitchers, an MLB record.
Main Photo Credit: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
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